Michigan Utility Selects Solar Projects For Rebate Program

Michigan-based utility Consumers Energy has selected 13 solar projects planned by two business and 9 residential customers to take part in its Experimental Advanced Renewables Program (EARP), which is enabled under the state's energy reform law. Consumers Energy says the customers were selected randomly from a pool of approved applicants.

The program provides for the long-term purchase of renewable energy generated by solar energy systems owned by the company's electric customers.

Business customer projects selected include two General Motors projects located in Genesee County and a project owned by Courter Farms Land LLC, based in Gratiot County. The utility says the business customer-owned projects range in capacity from 42.5 kW to 150 kW. The customer-owned projects range from 3.3 kW to 20 kW.

Consumers Energy says its EARP currently has contracts in place to purchase renewable energy from 191 customer-owned solar generators as part of the utility's renewable energy plan.